January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-1

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES
C-2 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
ORAL CAVITY

Lip C00.0-C00.9, Base of Tongue C01.9, Other Parts of Tongue C02.0-C02.9,

Gum C03.0-C03.9, Floor of Mouth C04.0-C04.9, Palate C05.0-C05.9, 

Other Parts of Mouth C06.0-C06.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-3

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures in codes 20-27 include, but are not limited to:

Shave

Wedge resection

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures in code 30 include, but are not limited to:

Hemiglossectomy

Partial glossectomy

30 Wide excision, NOS
ORAL CAVITY

Lip C00.0-C00.9, Base of Tongue C01.9, Other Parts of Tongue C02.0-C02.9,

Gum C03.0-C03.9, Floor of Mouth C04.0-C04.9, Palate C05.0-C05.9, 

Other Parts of Mouth C06.0-C06.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-4 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

| Procedures in codes 40-43 include, but are not limited to:

| Radical glossectomy

40 Radical excision of tumor, NOS

41 Radical excision of tumor ONLY

42 Combination of 41 WITH en bloc mandibulectomy (marginal, segmental, hemi-, or

total)

43 Combination of 41 WITH en bloc maxillectomy (partial, subtotal, total)

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional cervical lymph nodes are: 

Caudal jugular (deep cervical)

Caudal jugular (deep cervical)

Dorsal cervical (superficial cervical)

Medial jugular (deep cervical)

Occipital

Paratracheal (anterior cervical)

Prelaryngeal (anterior cervical)

Retroauricular (mastoid, posterior

auricular)

Submandibular (submaxillary)

Submental

Supraclavicular

codes continue on next page
ORAL CAVITY

Lip C00.0-C00.9, Base of Tongue C01.9, Other Parts of Tongue C02.0-C02.9,

Gum C03.0-C03.9, Floor of Mouth C04.0-C04.9, Palate C05.0-C05.9, 

Other Parts of Mouth C06.0-C06.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-5

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY, continued

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

 2 Neck dissection, NOS

3 Selective, limited; nodal sampling; “berry picking”

4 Modified/modified radical

5 Radical 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

Terminology of neck dissection (Robbins et al. 1991): 

A radical neck dissection includes the removal of all ipsilateral cervical lymph node groups, i.e.,

lymph nodes from levels I through V (submental, submandibular, cranial jugular, medial jugular,

caudal jugular, dorsal cervical nodes along the accessory nerve, and supraclavicular), and removal

of the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

In a modified radical neck dissection the same lymph nodes are removed as in a radical neck

dissection; however, one or more non-lymphatic structures are preserved.

A selective neck dissection is a neck dissection with preservation of one or more lymph node groups

routinely removed in radical neck dissection.
ORAL CAVITY

Lip C00.0-C00.9, Base of Tongue C01.9, Other Parts of Tongue C02.0-C02.9,

Gum C03.0-C03.9, Floor of Mouth C04.0-C04.9, Palate C05.0-C05.9, 

Other Parts of Mouth C06.0-C06.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-6 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

 3 Mandibulectomy (marginal, segmental, hemi-, or total)

 4 Maxillectomy (partial, subtotal, or total)

Code a mandibulectomy or a maxillectomy in this field only if the procedure is NOT a part

of an en bloc resection of the primary tumor. If the mandibulectomy or maxillectomy IS a

part of an en bloc resection of the primary tumor, code under “Surgery of Primary Site.”

5 Distant lymph node(s)

6 Distant site(s)

7 Combination of 6 WITH 2, 3, 4, or 5

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
PAROTID AND OTHER UNSPECIFIED GLANDS

Parotid Gland C07.9, Major Salivary Glands C08.0-C08.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-7

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Less than total parotidectomy, NOS

 31 Facial nerve spared

 32 Facial nerve sacrificed

33 Superficial lobe ONLY

 34 Facial nerve spared

 35 Facial nerve sacrificed

36 Deep lobe (WITH or WITHOUT superficial lobe)

 37 Facial nerve spared

 38 Facial nerve sacrificed

40 Total parotidectomy, NOS

41 Facial nerve spared

42 Facial nerve sacrificed

50 Radical parotidectomy, NOS

51 WITHOUT removal of temporal bone

52 WITH removal of temporal bone

80 Parotidectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
PAROTID AND OTHER UNSPECIFIED GLANDS

Parotid Gland C07.9, Major Salivary Glands C08.0-C08.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-8 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional cervical lymph nodes are:

Buccal (facial)

Caudal jugular (deep cervical)

Cranial jugular (deep cervical)

Dorsal cervical (superficial cervical)

Medial jugular (deep cervical)

Occipital

Paratracheal (anterior cervical)

Parotid

Prelaryngeal (anterior cervical)

Retroauricular (mastoid, posterior auricular)

Retropharyngeal

Submandibular (submaxillary)

Submental

Supraclavicular

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Neck dissection, NOS

 3 Selective, limited; nodal sampling; “berry picking”

 4 Modified/modified radical

 5 Radical 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

Terminology of neck dissection (Robbins et al. 1991): 

A radical neck dissection includes the removal of all ipsilateral cervical lymph node groups, i.e.,

lymph nodes from levels I through V (submental, submandibular, cranial jugular, medial jugular,

caudal jugular, dorsal cervical nodes along the accessory nerve, and supraclavicular), and removal

of the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

In a modified radical neck dissection, the same lymph nodes are removed as in a radical neck

dissection; however, one or more non-lymphatic structures are preserved.

A selective neck dissection is a neck dissection with preservation of one or more lymph node groups

routinely removed in radical neck dissection.
PAROTID AND OTHER UNSPECIFIED GLANDS

Parotid Gland C07.9, Major Salivary Glands C08.0-C08.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-9

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-10 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
PHARYNX

Tonsil C09.0-C09.9, Oropharynx C10.0-C10.9, Nasopharynx C11.0-C11.9

Pyriform Sinus C12.9, Hypopharynx C13.0-C13.9, Pharynx C14.0

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-11

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

15 Stripping

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Pharyngectomy, NOS

31 Limited/partial pharyngectomy

32 Total pharyngectomy

40 Pharyngectomy WITH mandibulectomy (marginal, segmental, hemi-, and/or laryngectomy),

NOS

41 WITH laryngectomy (laryngopharyngectomy)

42 WITH mandibulectomy 

43 WITH both 41 and 42

50 Radical pharyngectomy (includes total mandibular resection), NOS

51 WITHOUT laryngectomy

52 WITH laryngectomy

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
PHARYNX

Tonsil C09.0-C09.9, Oropharynx C10.0-C10.9, Nasopharynx C11.0-C11.9

Pyriform Sinus C12.9, Hypopharynx C13.0-C13.9, Pharynx C14.0

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-12 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional cervical lymph nodes are: 

Buccal (facial)

Caudal jugular (deep cervical)

Cranial jugular (deep cervical)

Dorsal cervical (superficial cervical)

Medial jugular (deep cervical)

Occipital

Paratracheal (anterior cervical)

Parotid

Prelaryngeal (anterior cervical)

Retroauricular (mastoid, posterior

auricular)

Retropharyngeal

Submandibular (submaxillary)

Submental

Supraclavicular

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Neck dissection, NOS

 3 Selective, limited; nodal sampling; “berry picking”

 4 Modified/modified radical

 5 Radical 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
PHARYNX

Tonsil C09.0-C09.9, Oropharynx C10.0-C10.9, Nasopharynx C11.0-C11.9

Pyriform Sinus C12.9, Hypopharynx C13.0-C13.9, Pharynx C14.0

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-13

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Laryngectomy ONLY

3 Mandibulectomy ONLY (marginal, segmental, or hemi-)

4 Combination of 2 and 3

5 Removal of other regional sites

6 Combination of 5 with 2-4

7 Removal of other distant sites(s) or distant lymph node(s)

8 Combination of 7 WITH any of 2-6

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-14 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
ESOPHAGUS

C15.0-C15.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-15

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Partial esophagectomy

40 Total esophagectomy

50 Partial esophagectomy WITH laryngectomy and/or gastrectomy, NOS

51 WITH laryngectomy

52 WITH gastrectomy, NOS

 53 Partial gastrectomy

 54 Total gastrectomy

55 Combination of 51 WITH any of 52-54

60 Total esophagectomy, NOS WITH laryngectomy and/or gastrectomy, NOS

61 WITH laryngectomy

62 WITH gastrectomy, NOS

 63 Partial gastrectomy

 64 Total gastrectomy

65 Combination of 61 WITH any of 62-64

70 Esophagectomy, NOS WITH pharyngectomy and laryngectomy
ESOPHAGUS

C15.0-C15.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-16 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

80 Esophagectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional lymph nodes are different for each anatomical subsite. The following

list identifies nodes classified as regional for each subsite:

Cervical esophagus: Cervical, NOS

Internal jugular

Periesophageal

Scalene

Supraclavicular

Upper cervical

Intrathoracic esophagus (upper, middle,

lower):

Carinal

Hilar (pulmonary roots)

Internal jugular

Mediastinal, NOS

Paracardial

Periesophageal

Perigastric

Peritracheal

Superior mediastinal

Tracheobronchial

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

Celiac nodes are distant for intrathoracic esophagus. Code removal of celiac nodes in the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”
ESOPHAGUS

C15.0-C15.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-17

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-18 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
STOMACH

C16.0-C16.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-19

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

CODE

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Code 30, partial gastrectomy, includes a sleeve resection of the stomach

Billroth I: anastomosis to duodenum (duodenostomy)

Billroth II: anastomosis to jejunum (jejunostomy)

30 Gastrectomy, NOS (partial, subtotal, hemi-)

31 Antrectomy, lower (distal) 

Resection of less than 40% of stomach

32 Lower (distal) gastrectomy (partial, subtotal, hemi-)

33 Upper (proximal) gastrectomy (partial, subtotal, hemi-) 

40 Near-total or total gastrectomy

A total gastrectomy may follow a previous partial resection of the stomach.

50 Gastrectomy, NOS WITH removal of a portion of esophagus

51 Partial or subtotal gastrectomy

52 Near total or total gastrectomy
STOMACH

C16.0-C16.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-20 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

60 Gastrectomy WITH en bloc resection of other organs, NOS

61 Partial or subtotal gastrectomy WITH en bloc resection

62 Near total or total gastrectomy WITH en bloc resection

63 Radical gastrectomy WITH en bloc resection

EN BLOC RESECTION is the removal of organs in one piece at one time and may

include an omentectomy.

80 Gastrectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Greater Curvature of Stomach Gastroduodenal

Gastroepiploic, left

Gastroepiploic, right or NOS

Greater omental

Greater curvature

Pancreaticoduodenal (anteriorly along the first part of

duodenum)

Pyloric, including subpyloric and infrapyloric

Pancreatic and Splenic Area: Pancreaticolienal

Peripancreatic

Splenic hilum

Lesser Curvature of Stomach: Cardioesophageal

Celiac

Common hepatic

Hepatoduodenal

Left gastric

Lesser omental

Lesser curvature

Paracardial; cardial

Perigastric, NOS
STOMACH

C16.0-C16.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-21

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY, continued

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
STOMACH

C16.0-C16.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-22 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of gallbladder, bile ducts, appendix, or vagus nerve. 

Incidental removal is when an organ is removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy (gallbladder

removed for obvious cholelithiasis).

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Removal of other regional sites, ONLY

3 Removal of distant node(s)

4 Removal of distant site

5 Combination of 2 WITH 3 and/or 4

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
COLON

C18.0 - C18.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-23

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Code removal/surgical ablation of single or multiple liver metastases under the data item "Surgery of

Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s)."

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures coded 30-31 include, but are not limited to:

Appendectomy (for an appendix primary only)

Enterocolectomy

Ileocolectomy

Partial colectomy, NOS

Partial resection of transverse colon and flexures 

Segmental resection, e.g., cecectomy

Sigmoidectomy

30 Partial colectomy, but less than hemicolectomy

31 Partial colectomy WITH permanent colostomy (Hartmann’s operation)
COLON

C18.0 - C18.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-24 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

40 Hemicolectomy or greater (but less than total); right or left colectomy

A hemicolectomy is the removal of total right or left colon and a portion of transverse colon

50 Total colectomy

Removal of colon from cecum to the rectosigmoid or a portion of the rectum

60 Total proctocolectomy

Commonly used for familial polyposis or polyposis coli.

70 Colectomy or coloproctectomy WITH an en bloc resection of other organs; pelvic exenteration

CODE 70 includes any colectomy (partial, hemicolectomy, or total) WITH an en bloc resection of

any other organs. The other organs may be partially or totally removed. Procedures that may be a

PART OF AN EN BLOC RESECTION include, but are not limited to: oophorectomy, partial

proctectomy, rectal mucosectomy

EN BLOC resection is the removal of organs in one piece at one time. 

80 Colectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
COLON

C18.0 - C18.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-25

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The pathology report often describes regional lymph nodes by their anatomic location: colic nodes;

mesenteric nodes; peri-\epi-\para-\ colic. Regional lymph nodes differ for each anatomical subsite. The

following list identifies the regional lymph nodes for each subsite of the colon:

Cecum and appendix Anterior cecal

Ileocolic

Posterior cecal

Right colic

Ascending colon Ileocolic

Middle colic

Right colic

Hepatic flexure Middle colic

Right colic

Transverse colon Middle colic

Splenic flexure Inferior mesenteric

Middle colic

Left colic

Descending colon Inferior mesenteric

Left colic

Sigmoid

Sigmoid colon Inferior mesenteric

Sigmoid mesenteric

Sigmoidal

Superior rectal (hemorrhoidal)

Superior mesenteric, external iliac and common iliac nodes are distant lymph nodes. Code the

removal of any of these nodes in the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s), or

Distant Lymph Node(s).”

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
COLON

C18.0 - C18.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-26 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S), OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of appendix, gallbladder, bile ducts, or spleen. Incidental

removal is when an organ is removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy (gallbladder removed for

obvious cholelithiasis).

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Removal of other regional site(s), ONLY

3 Removal/surgical ablation of single liver metastasis

4 Removal/surgical ablation of multiple liver metastases

5 Combination of codes 2 WITH 3 or 4

6 Removal of other distant site(s) or distant lymph node(s), ONLY

7 Combination of code 6 WITH 3 or 5

8 Combination of code 6 WITH 4

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
RECTOSIGMOID

C19.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-27

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

CODE removal/surgical ablation of single or multiple liver metastases under the data item "Surgery of

Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Node(s)."

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser ablation

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures coded 30 include, but are not limited to:

Anterior resection

Hartmann’s operation

Low anterior resection (LAR)

Partial colectomy, NOS

Rectosigmoidectomy, NOS

Sigmoidectomy

30 Wedge or segmental resection; partial proctosigmoidectomy, NOS
RECTOSIGMOID

C19.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-28 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

Procedures coded 40 include but are not limited

to:

Altemeier’s operation

Duhamel’s operation

Soave’s submucosal resection

Swenson’s operation

Turnbull’s operation

40 Pull through WITH sphincter preservation (colo-anal anastomosis)

Procedures coded 50 include but are not limited to:

Abdominoperineal resection (A & P resection)

Anterior/posterior resection (A/P resection)/Miles’ operation

Rankin’s operation

50 Total proctectomy

51 Total colectomy

Removal of the colon from cecum to the rectosigmoid or a portion of the rectum

60 Combination of 50 and 51

70 Colectomy or proctocolectomy WITH an en bloc resection of other organs; pelvic exenteration

EN BLOC RESECTION is the removal of organs in one piece at one time. Procedures that may

be a part of an en bloc resection include, but are not limited to: an oophorectomy and a rectal

mucosectomy. 

Code 70 includes any colectomy (partial, hemicolectomy, or total) WITH an en bloc resection of any

other organs. There may be partial or total removal of other organs in continuity with the primary. 

80 Colectomy, NOS; Proctectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
RECTOSIGMOID

C19.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-29

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The pathology report often identifies regional lymph nodes by their anatomic location: colic; mesenteric;

peri-/para-/ colic; perirectal; rectal. 

The specific regional lymph nodes are:

Inferior mesenteric

Left colic

Middle rectal (hemorrhoidal)

Perirectal

Sigmoid mesenteric

Sigmoidal 

Superior rectal (superior hemorrhoidal)

Superior mesenteric, external iliac and common iliac nodes are distant nodes. Code removal of these

nodes under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s), or Distant Lymph

Node(s).”

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
RECTOSIGMOID

C19.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-30 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S), OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of appendix, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Incidental removal is

when an organ is removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy (gallbladder removed for obvious

cholelithiasis).

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Removal of other regional site(s), ONLY

3 Removal/surgical ablation of single liver metastasis

4 Removal/surgical ablation of multiple liver metastases

5 Combination of codes 2 and 3 or 4

6 Removal of other distant site(s) or distant lymph node(s), ONLY

7 Combination of code 6 WITH 3, 4 or 5

8 Combination of code 6 WITH 3 or 5

9 Unknown; death certificate ONLY
RECTUM

C20.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-31

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

CODE removal/surgical ablation of single or multiple liver metastases under the data item "Surgery of

Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s)."

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

28 Curette and fulguration

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures coded 30 include, but are not limited to:

Anterior resection

Hartmann’s operation

Low anterior resection (LAR)

Trans-sacral rectosigmoidectomy

30 Wedge or segmental resection; partial proctectomy, NOS
RECTUM

C20.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-32 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

Procedures coded 40 include but are not limited to:

Altemeier’s operation

Duhamel’s operation

Soave’s submucosal resection

Swenson’s operation

Turnbull’s operation

40 Pull through WITH sphincter preservation (colo-anal anastomosis)

Procedures coded 50 include but are not limited to:

Abdominoperineal resection (A & P resection)

Anterior/Posterior (A/P) resection/Miles’ operation

Rankin’s operation

50 Total proctectomy

60 Total proctocolectomy, NOS

70 Proctectomy or proctocolectomy WITH an en bloc resection of other organs; pelvic

exenteration

EN BLOC RESECTION is the removal of organs in one piece at one time. 

80 Proctectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
RECTUM

C20.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-33

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The pathology report often identifies regional lymph nodes by their anatomic location: mesenteric nodes;

perirectal nodes; rectal nodes. 

The specific regional lymph nodes are: 

Inferior rectal (hemorrhoidal)

Inferior mesenteric

Internal iliac

Lateral sacral

Middle rectal (hemorrhoidal)

Perirectal

Presacral

Sacral promontory (Gerota’s)

Sigmoid mesenteric

Superior rectal (hemorrhoidal)

Superior mesenteric, external iliac and common iliac nodes are classified as distant lymph nodes. 

Code removal of these nodes under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s),

or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

 9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
RECTUM

C20.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-34 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S), OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of appendix, gallbladder, bile ducts, or spleen. Incidental

removal is when an organ is removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy (gallbladder removed for

obvious cholelithiasis).

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Removal of other regional site(s), ONLY

3 Removal/surgical ablation of single liver metastasis

4 Removal/surgical ablation of multiple liver metastases

5 Combination of codes 2 with 3 or 4

6 Removal of other distant site(s) or distant lymph node(s), ONLY

7 Combination of code 6 WITH 3, 4 or 5

8 Combination of code 6 WITH 3 or 5

9 Unknown; death certificate ONLY
ANUS

C21.0-C21.8

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-35

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

Procedures for codes 10-14 include, but are not limited to:

Cryosurgery

Electrocautery

Excisional biopsy

Laser

Thermal ablation

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Margins of resection may have microscopic involvement.

60 Abdominal perineal resection, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
ANUS

C21.0-C21.8

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-36 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Perirectal, anorectal lymph nodes

3 Internal iliac lymph nodes (hypogastric), unilateral

4 Inguinal lymph nodes, unilateral

5 Combination of 2 and 4

6 Bilateral internal iliac and/or bilateral inguinal lymph nodes

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 90 or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
ANUS

C21.0-C21.8

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-37

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-38 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
LIVER AND INTRAHEPATIC BILE DUCTS

C22.0-C22.1

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-39

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

15 Alcohol (PEI)

16 Heat

17 Other (ultrasound, acetic acid)

20 Wedge resection, NOS; segmental resection

30 Lobectomy, NOS

31 Simple

32 Extended

Extended lobectomy: resection of a single lobe plus a segment of another lobe.

40 Excision of a bile duct (for an intrahepatic bile duct primary only)

70 Total hepatectomy with transplant 

Liver transplant must also be coded under the data item

“Reconstruction/Restoration.”

80 Hepatectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
LIVER AND INTRAHEPATIC BILE DUCTS

C22.0-C22.1

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-40 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional lymph nodes are the hilar nodes:

Along the portal vein

Along the inferior vena cava

Along the proper hepatic artery

At the hepatic pedicle

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
LIVER AND INTRAHEPATIC BILE DUCTS

C22.0-C22.1

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-41

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s) (includes inferior phrenic lymph nodes)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-42 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
PANCREAS

C25.0-C25.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-43

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local excision of tumor, NOS

20 Partial pancreatectomy, NOS

40 Total pancreatectomy

50 Local or partial pancreatectomy and duodenectomy

51 Without subtotal gastrectomy

52 With subtotal gastrectomy (Whipple)

60 Total pancreatectomy and subtotal gastrectomy or duodenectomy

70 Extended pancreatoduodenectomy

80 Pancreatectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
PANCREAS

C25.0-C25.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-44 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Celiac (head only)

Hepatic artery

Infrapyloric (head only)

Lateral aortic

Pancreaticolienal (body and tail only)

Peripancreatic (superior, inferior, anterior, posterior

splenic)

Retroperitoneal

Splenic (body and tail only)

Subpyloric (head only)

Superior mesenteric

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Extended lymphadenectomy

An extended pancreaticoduodenectomy incorporates selected aspects of the Whipple procedure

and regional pancreatectomy. A wide Kocher maneuver removes all lymphatic tissue over the

medial aspect of the right kidney, inferior vena cava, and left renal vein.

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
PANCREAS

C25.0-C25.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-45

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Removal of other regional sites, ONLY

3 Removal of distant node(s)

4 Removal of distant site

5 Combination of 2 WITH 3 and/or 4

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-46 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
LARYNX

C32.0-C32.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-47

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

15 Stripping

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

28 Stripping

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Partial excision of the primary site, NOS; subtotal/partial laryngectomy NOS;

hemilaryngectomy NOS

31 Vertical laryngectomy

32 Anterior commissure laryngectomy

33 Supraglottic laryngectomy

40 Total or radical laryngectomy, NOS

41 Total laryngectomy ONLY

42 Radical laryngectomy ONLY

50 Pharyngolaryngectomy

80 Laryngectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
LARYNX

C32.0-C32.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-48 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional cervical lymph nodes are:

Buccal (facial)

Caudal jugular (deep cervical)

Cranial jugular (deep cervical)

Dorsal cervical (superficial cervical)

Medial jugular (deep cervical)

Occipital

Paratracheal (anterior cervical)

Parotid

Prelaryngeal (anterior cervical)

Retroauricular (mastoid, posterior

auricular)

Retropharyngeal

Submandibular (submaxillary)

Submental

Supraclavicular

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Neck dissection, NOS

 3 Selective, limited; nodal sampling; “berry picking”

 4 Modified/modified radical

 5 Radical 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

Terminology of neck dissection (Robbins et al. 1991): 

A radical neck dissection includes the removal of all ipsilateral cervical lymph node groups, i.e.,

lymph nodes from levels I through V (submental, submandibular, cranial jugular, medial jugular,

caudal jugular, dorsal cervical nodes along the accessory nerve, and supraclavicular), and removal

of the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

In a modified radical neck dissection the same lymph nodes are removed as in a radical neck

dissection; however, one or more non-lymphatic structures are preserved.

A selective neck dissection is a neck dissection with preservation of one or more lymph node groups

routinely removed in radical neck dissection.
LARYNX

C32.0-C32.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-49

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-50 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
LUNG

C34.0 - C34.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-51

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction or excision, NOS

11 Excision

12 Laser ablation or excision

13 Cautery; fulguration

14 Bronchial sleeve resection ONLY

20 Resection of less than one lobe 

21 Wedge resection

22 Segmental resection, including lingulectomy

30 Resection of at least one lobe, but less than the whole lung (partial pneumonectomy, NOS)

31 Lobectomy

32 Bilobectomy

Procedures coded 40 include, but are not limited to:

Complete pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy, NOS

Sleeve pneumonectomy

Standard pneumonectomy

Total pneumonectomy

40 Resection of whole lung

50 Resection of lung WITH an en bloc resection of other organs

51 Wedge resection

52 Lobectomy

53 Bilobectomy

54 Pneumonectomy (less than a radical or extended pneumonectomy)

EN BLOC resection is the removal of organs in one piece at one time. 

60 Radical pneumonectomy

Radical pneumonectomy is a complete pneumonectomy WITH removal of mediastinal lymph nodes. 

Removal of mediastinal nodes is also coded in the data fields “Scope of Regional Lymph Node

Surgery” and “Number of Regional Nodes Examined.”
LUNG

C34.0 - C34.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-52 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

70 Extended radical pneumonectomy

An extended radical pneumonectomy is a radical pneumonectomy (including removal of mediastinal

nodes) and the removal of other tissues or nodes. Removal of mediastinal nodes is also coded in the

data fields “Scope of Regional Lymph Node Surgery” and “Number of Regional Nodes Examined.”

80 Resection of lung, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Mediastinal nodes are:

Aortic (includes subaortic, aorticopulmonary window, periaortic, including ascending aorta or including

azygos)

Periesophageal

Peritracheal (including those that may be designated tracheobronchial, i.e., lower peritracheal, phrenic)

Pre- and retrotracheal (includes precarinal)

Pulmonary ligament 

Subcarinal

CODE

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Intrapulmonary (includes interlobar, lobar, segmental), ipsilateral hilar and/or

ipsilateral peribronchial nodes

3 Ipsilateral mediastinal and/or subcarinal nodes

4 Combination of 2 and 3

5 Contralateral mediastinal, contralateral hilar, ipsilateral or contralateral scalene and/or

supraclavicular nodes

6 Combination of 5 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
LUNG

C34.0 - C34.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-53

NUMBER OF REGIONAL NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
LUNG

C34.0 - C34.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-54 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S), OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of ribs. Ribs are removed to provide access to the lung.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional sites, distant sites or distant lymph nodes

1 Surgery to other site(s)or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Surgery to a regional site ONLY

3 Removal of a solitary lesion in the same lung (primary site), different (nonprimary) lobe

There is one primary. Patient has two tumors with the same histology in different

lobes of the same lung.

 4 Resection of metastasis in a distant site(s) or resection of distant lymph nodes(s), NOS

5 Removal of a solitary lesion in the contralateral lung

Patient has one primary. There is a primary tumor or tumor(s) in one lung and a

solitary metastatic lesion in the contralateral lung.

6 Removal of a solitary lesion in a distant site or a distant lymph node, NOS

This includes, but is not limited to the removal of a solitary metastatic brain lesion.

7 Removal of multiple lesions in distant site(s)

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BONES, JOINTS, AND ARTICULAR CARTILAGE C40.0 - C41.9

 PERIPHERAL NERVES AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM C47.0 - C47.9

CONNECTIVE, SUBCUTANEOUS AND OTHER SOFT TISSUES C49.0 - C49.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-55

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

10 Local tumor destruction or excision 

20 Partial resection/internal hemipelvectomy (pelvis)

30 Radical excision or resection of lesion with limb salvage 

40 Amputation of limb

41 Partial amputation of limb

42 Total amputation of limb

50 Major amputation, NOS

51 Forequarter, including scapula 

52 Hindquarter, including ilium/hip bone

53 Hemipelvectomy

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BONES, JOINTS, AND ARTICULAR CARTILAGE C40.0 - C41.9

 PERIPHERAL NERVES AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM C47.0 - C47.9

CONNECTIVE, SUBCUTANEOUS AND OTHER SOFT TISSUES C49.0 - C49.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-56 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

5 Distant lymph node(s)

6 Distant site(s)

7 Combination of 6 WITH 2 or 5 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
SPLEEN AND LYMPH NODES

Spleen C42.2, Lymph Nodes C77.0 - C77.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-57

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local excision, destruction, NOS

20 Splenectomy, NOS

21 Partial splenectomy

22 Total splenectomy

30 Lymph node dissection, NOS

31 One chain

32 Two or more chains

40 Lymph node dissection, NOS plus splenectomy

41 One chain

42 Two or more chains

50 Lymph node dissection, NOS and partial/total removal of adjacent organ(s)

51 One chain

52 Two or more chains

60 Lymph node dissection, NOS and partial/total removal of adjacent organ(s) PLUS splenectomy

61 One chain

62 Two or more chains

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY (SPLEEN ONLY)

Note: For a lymph node primary, code this field as ‘9.’

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
SPLEEN AND LYMPH NODES

Spleen C42.2, Lymph Nodes C77.0 - C77.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-58 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED (SPLEEN ONLY)

Note: For a lymph node primary, code this field as ‘99.’

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

5 Distant lymph node(s)

6 Distant site(s)

7 Combination of 6 WITH 2 or 5

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
SKIN

C44.0 - C44.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-59

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser ablation

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Biopsy of primary tumor followed by a gross excision of the lesion

31 Shave biopsy followed by a gross excision of the lesion

32 Punch biopsy followed by a gross excision of the lesion

33 Incisional biopsy followed by a gross excision of the lesion

Less than a wide excision, less than 1 cm margin.

40 Wide excision or re-excision of lesion or minor (local) amputation, NOS

Margins of excision are 1 cm or more. Margins may be microscopically involved.

Local amputation is the surgical resection of digits, ear, eyelid, lip, or nose.

50 Radical excision of a lesion, NOS

Margins of excision are greater than 1 cm and grossly tumor-free. The margins may be

microscopically involved.
SKIN

C44.0 - C44.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-60 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

60 Major amputation, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Regional lymph nodes are different for each anatomical subsite. 

Head, neck Cervical, ipsilateral preauricular, submandibular, and supraclavicular

Thorax Ipsilateral axillary

Arm Ipsilateral epitrochlear and axillary

Abdomen, loins, and buttocks Ipsilateral inguinal

Anal margin and perianal skin Ipsilateral inguinal

Leg Ipsilateral inguinal and popliteal

 There are boundary zones between the subsites (i.e., between the thorax and arm, the boundary zone is

the shoulder and axilla). The boundary zones do not belong to either subsite. If a tumor originates in

one of these 4 cm boundary zones, the nodes on either side of the bands are regional. 

BETWEEN THE SUBSITES THE BOUNDARY ZONE IS

Head and neck AND Thorax Clavicle-acromion-upper shoulder blade edge

Thorax AND Arm Shoulder-axilla-shoulder

Thorax AND Abdomen, loins,

and buttocks

Front: Middle between navel and costal arch

Back: Lower border of thoracic vertebrae

(midtransverse axis)

Abdomen, loins, and buttock 

 AND

Leg Groin-trochanter-gluteal sulcus

Right AND Left Midline
SKIN

C44.0 - C44.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-61

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY, continued

Iliac, other pelvic, abdominal or intrathoracic lymph nodes are distant. Code the removal of these nodes

under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s), or Distant Node(s).”

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Sentinel node, NOS

A sentinel node is the first node to receive drainage from a primary tumor. It is identified by an

injection of a dye or radio label at the site of the primary tumor

2 Regional lymph nodes removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
SKIN

C44.0 - C44.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-62 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BREAST

C50.0 - C50.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-63

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

CODE

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

Procedures coded as 10-17 remove the gross primary tumor and some of the breast tissue (breastconserving or preserving). There may be microscopic residual tumor. 

10 Partial mastectomy, NOS; less than total mastectomy, NOS

11 Nipple resection

12 Lumpectomy or excisional biopsy

13 Re-excision of the biopsy site for gross or microscopic residual disease.

14 Wedge resection

15 Quadrantectomy

16 Segmental mastectomy

17 Tylectomy

30 Subcutaneous mastectomy

A subcutaneous mastectomy is the removal of breast tissue without the nipple and areolar complex

or overlying skin. THIS PROCEDURE IS RARELY PERFORMED TO TREAT

MALIGNANCIES.

40 Total (simple) mastectomy, NOS

41 WITHOUT removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

42 WITH removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

A simple mastectomy removes all breast tissue, the nipple, and areolar complex. An axillary

dissection is not done.

For single primaries only, code removal of involved contralateral breast under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

50 Modified radical mastectomy

51 WITHOUT removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

52 WITH removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

Removes all breast tissue, the nipple, the areolar complex, and variable amounts of breast skin. 

The procedure involves an en bloc resection of the axilla. The specimen may or may not include

a portion of the pectoralis major muscle. Includes an en bloc axillary dissection.

For single primaries only, code removal of involved contralateral breast under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

60 Radical mastectomy, NOS
BREAST

C50.0 - C50.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-64 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

61 WITHOUT removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

62 WITH removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

Removal of breast tissue, nipple, areolar complex, a variable amount of skin, pectoralis minor,

and pectoralis major. Includes an en bloc axillary dissection.

For single primaries only, code removal of involved contralateral breast under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

70 Extended radical mastectomy

71 WITHOUT removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

72 WITH removal of uninvolved contralateral breast

Removal of breast tissue, nipple, areolar complex, variable amounts of skin, pectoralis minor,

and pectoralis major. Includes removal of internal mammary nodes and an en bloc axillary

dissection.

For single primaries only, code removal of involved contralateral breast under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

80 Mastectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Sentinel lymph node(s) removed

A sentinel node is the first node to receive drainage from a primary tumor. It is identified by an

injection of a dye or radio label at the site of the primary tumor

2 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS; axillary, NOS (Levels I, II, or III lymph nodes)

Intramammary, NOS

3 Combination of 1 and 2

4 Internal mammary

5 Combination of 4 WITH any of 1-3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BREAST

C50.0 - C50.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-65

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE removal of fragments or tags of muscles; removal of the pectoralis minor; the

resection of pectoralis muscles, NOS; or the resection of fascia with no mention of muscle.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Removal of involved contralateral breast (single primary only)

6 Combination of 4 or 5 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

RECONSTRUCTION - FIRST COURSE

The insertion of a tissue expander is often the beginning of the reconstructive procedure.

Codes
BREAST

C50.0 - C50.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-66 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

0 No reconstruction/restoration

1 Reconstruction, NOS (unknown if flap)

2 Implant; reconstruction WITHOUT flap

3 Reconstruction WITH flap, NOS

 4 Latissimus dorsi flap

 5 Abdominis recti flap

 6 Flap, NOS + implant 

 7 Latissimus dorsi flap + implant

 8 Abdominis recti + implant

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
CERVIX UTERI

C53.0 - C53.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-67

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

FOR INVASIVE CANCERS, dilatation and curettage is considered an incisional biopsy and is not

coded as site-specific surgery.

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

15 LEEP

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor destruction or excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Electrocautery

22 Cryosurgery

23 Laser

24 Cone biopsy WITH gross excision of lesion

25 Dilatation and curettage; endocervical curettage (cancer-directed for in situ only)

26 Excisional biopsy, NOS

27 Cone biopsy

28 LEEP

29 Trachelectomy; removal of cervical stump; cervicectomy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Total hysterectomy (simple, pan-) WITHOUT removal of tubes and ovaries

Total hysterectomy removes both the corpus and cervix uteri and may also include a portion of

vaginal cuff.

40 Total hysterectomy (simple, pan-) WITH removal of tubes or ovary

Total hysterectomy removes both the corpus and cervix uteri and may also include a portion of

vaginal cuff. 
CERVIX UTERI

C53.0 - C53.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-68 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

50 Modified radical or extended hysterectomy; radical hysterectomy; extended radical

hysterectomy

51 Modified radical hysterectomy

52 Extended hysterectomy

53 Radical hysterectomy; Wertheim’s procedure

54 Extended radical hysterectomy

60 Hysterectomy, NOS, WITH or WITHOUT removal of tubes and ovaries

61 WITHOUT removal of tubes and ovaries

62 WITH removal of tubes and ovaries

70 Pelvic exenteration

71 Anterior exenteration

Includes bladder, distal ureters, and genital organs WITH their ligamentous attachments and

pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

72 Posterior exenteration

Includes rectum and rectosigmoid WITH ligamentous attachments and pelvic lymph nodes. 

The removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other

Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

73 Total exenteration

Includes removal of all pelvic contents and pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph

nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or

Distant Lymph Node(s).”

74 Extended exenteration

Includes pelvic blood vessels or bony pelvis

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
CERVIX UTERI

C53.0 - C53.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-69

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Common iliac

External iliac

Hypogastric (obturator)

Internal iliac

Paracervical

Parametrial

Presacral

Sacral

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
CERVIX UTERI

C53.0 - C53.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-70 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of an appendix. DO NOT CODE an omentectomy IF it was

the only surgery performed in addition to hysterectomy. Incidental removal is when an organ is

removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s), NOS

4 Periaortic lymph nodes

5 Distant site(s)

6 Combinations of 5 with 4

7 Combination of 5 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
CORPUS UTERI

C54.0 - C55.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-71

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

15 LEEP

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures in code 20 include but are not limited to:

Cryosurgery

Electrocautery 

Excisional biopsy 

Laser ablation 

Thermal ablation 

20 Local tumor destruction or excision, NOS; simple excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY

SPECIMEN)

21 Electrocautery

22 Cryosurgery

23 Laser

24 Excisional biopsy

25 Polypectomy

26 Myomectomy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Margins of resection may have microscopic involvement.
CORPUS UTERI

C54.0 - C55.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-72 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

30 Subtotal hysterectomy/supracervical hysterectomy/fundectomy WITH or WITHOUT removal

of tube(s) and ovary(ies).

31 WITHOUT tube(s) and ovary (ies)

32 WITH tube(s) and ovary (ies)

Cervix left in place

40 Total hysterectomy (simple, pan-) WITHOUT removal of tube(s) and ovary (ies)

Removes both the corpus and cervix uteri. It may also include a portion of the vaginal cuff.

50 Total hysterectomy (simple, pan-) WITH removal of tube(s) or ovary (ies)

Removes both the corpus and cervix uteri. It may also include a portion of the vaginal cuff.

60 Modified radical or extended hysterectomy; radical hysterectomy; extended radical

hysterectomy

61 Modified radical hysterectomy

62 Extended hysterectomy

63 Radical hysterectomy; Wertheim’s procedure

64 Extended radical hysterectomy

70 Hysterectomy, NOS, WITH or WITHOUT removal of tube(s) and ovary(ies)

71 WITHOUT removal of tube(s) and ovary(ies)

72 WITH removal of tube(s) and ovary(ies)

80 Pelvic exenteration

81 Anterior exenteration

Includes bladder, distal ureters, and genital organs WITH their ligamentous attachments and

pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

82 Posterior exenteration

Includes rectum and rectosigmoid WITH ligamentous attachments and pelvic lymph nodes. The

removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional

Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”
CORPUS UTERI

C54.0 - C55.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-73

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

83 Total exenteration

Includes removal of all pelvic contents and pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph

nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or

Distant Lymph Node(s).”

84 Extended exenteration

Includes pelvic blood vessels or bony pelvis

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Common iliac and external iliac

Hypogastric (obturator)

Para aortic

Parametrial

Sacral

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

2 Pariaortic with or without other regional lymph nodes

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
CORPUS UTERI

C54.0 - C55.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-74 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of the appendix or an omentectomy IF it was the only surgery

performed in addition to hysterectomy. Incidental removal is when an organ is removed for a reason

unrelated to the malignancy.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
OVARY 

C56.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-75

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Total removal of tumor or (single) ovary, NOS

11 Resection of ovary (wedge, subtotal, or partial) ONLY, NOS; unknown if

hysterectomy done

 12 WITHOUT hysterectomy

 13 WITH hysterectomy

14 Unilateral (salpingo-) oophorectomy; unknown if hysterectomy done

 15 WITHOUT hysterectomy

 16 WITH hysterectomy

20 Bilateral (salpingo-) oophorectomy; unknown if hysterectomy done

21 WITHOUT hysterectomy

22 WITH hysterectomy

30 Unilateral or bilateral (salpingo-) oophorectomy WITH OMENTECTOMY, NOS; partial or

total; unknown if hysterectomy done

31 WITHOUT hysterectomy

32 WITH hysterectomy

60 Debulking; cytoreductive surgery, NOS

61 WITH colon (including appendix) and/or small intestine resection (not incidental)

62 WITH partial resection of urinary tract (not incidental)

63 Combination of 61 and 62

Debulking is a partial removal of the tumor mass and can involve the removal of multiple organ

sites. It may include removal of ovaries and/or the uterus (a hysterectomy). The pathology

report may or may not identify ovarian tissue.

A debulking is usually followed by another treatment modality such as chemotherapy.

70 Pelvic exenteration, NOS

71 Anterior

Includes bladder, distal ureters, and genital organs WITH their ligamentous attachments and

pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item

“Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”

72 Posterior

Includes rectum and rectosigmoid WITH ligamentous attachments and pelvic lymph nodes. The

removal of pelvic lymph nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional

Site(s), Distant Site(s) or Distant Lymph Node(s).”
OVARY 

C56.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-76 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

73 Total

Includes removal of all pelvic contents and pelvic lymph nodes. The removal of pelvic lymph

nodes is also coded under the data item “Surgery of Other Regional Site(s), Distant Site(s) or

Distant Lymph Node(s).”

74 Extended

Includes pelvic blood vessels or bony pelvis.

80 (Salpingo-) oophorectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Common iliac

External iliac

Hypogastric (obturator)

Inguinal 

Lateral sacral

Para-aortic 

Pelvic, NOS

Retroperitoneal, NOS

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
OVARY 

C56.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-77

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE an incidental removal of the appendix. Incidental removal is when an organ is

removed for a reason unrelated to the malignancy.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-78 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
PROSTATE

C61.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-79

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Do not code an orchiectomy in this field. For prostate primaries, orchiectomies are coded in the field

“Hormone Therapy.”

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction or excision, NOS

11 Transurethral resection (TURP), NOS

 12 TURP - cancer is incidental finding during surgery for benign disease

 13 TURP - patient has suspected/known cancer

14 Cryoprostatectomy

15 Laser

16 Hyperthermia

17 Other method of local resection or destruction

30 Subtotal or simple prostatectomy, NOS 

A segmental resection or enucleation leaving the capsule intact. 

40 Less than total prostatectomy, NOS 

An enucleation using an instrument such as a Vapotrode which may leave all or part of the capsule

intact.

50 Radical prostatectomy, NOS; total prostatectomy, NOS

Excised prostate, prostatic capsule, ejaculatory ducts, seminal vesicle(s) and may include a narrow

cuff of bladder neck.

70 Prostatectomy WITH en bloc resection of other organs; pelvic exenteration

Surgeries coded 70 are any prostatectomy WITH an en bloc resection of any other organs. The

other organs may be partially or totally removed in continuity with the primary.

EN BLOC RESECTION is the removal of organs in one piece at one time. Procedures that may

involve an en bloc resection include, but are not limited to: cystoprostatectomy, radical cystectomy

and prostatectomy.

80 Prostatectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
PROSTATE

C61.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-80 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Hypogastric

Iliac, NOS (internal and external)

Obturator

Pelvic, NOS

Periprostatic

Sacral, NOS (lateral presacral, promontory [Gerota's] or NOS)

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of nodes unknown /not stated and not

documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
PROSTATE

C61.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-81

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S), OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE orchiectomy. For prostate primaries, code orchiectomies under “Hormone

Therapy.”

The most commonly removed distant lymph nodes are: aortic (para-aortic, peri-aortic, lumbar),

common iliac, inguinal, superficial inguinal (femoral), supraclavicular, cervical, and scalene.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-82 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
TESTIS

C62.0-C62.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-83

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local or partial excision of testicle

30 Excision of testicle, NOS WITHOUT cord

40 Excision of testicle, NOS WITH cord/or cord not mentioned

80 Orchiectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Interaortocaval

Paraaortic (Periaortic)

Paracaval

Preaortic

Precaval

Retroaortic

Retrocaval

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS; not stated if bilateral or unilateral

2 Unilateral regional lymph nodes

3 Bilateral regional lymph nodes

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
TESTIS

C62.0-C62.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-84 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
KIDNEY, RENAL PELVIS, AND URETER

Kidney C64.9, Renal Pelvis C65.9, Ureter C66.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-85

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

Procedures coded 30 include, but are not limited to:

Cryosurgery

Electrocautery

Excisional biopsy

Laser

Segmental resection

Thermal ablation

Wedge resection

30 Partial or subtotal nephrectomy (kidney or renal pelvis) or partial ureterectomy (ureter)

 Margins of resection are grossly negative. There may be microscopic involvement.
KIDNEY, RENAL PELVIS, AND URETER

Kidney C64.9, Renal Pelvis C65.9, Ureter C66.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-86 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE, continued

 40 Complete/total/simple nephrectomy - for kidney parenchyma

Nephroureterectomy

Includes bladder cuff for renal pelvis or ureter

50 Radical nephrectomy 

May include removal of a portion of vena cava, adrenal gland(s), Gerota’s fascia, perinephric fat, or

partial/total ureter

70 Any nephrectomy (simple, subtotal, complete, partial, total, radical) PLUS an en bloc

resection of other organ(s) (colon, bladder)

The other organs, such as colon or bladder, may be partially or totally removed.

80 Nephrectomy, NOS

Ureterectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
KIDNEY, RENAL PELVIS, AND URETER

Kidney C64.9, Renal Pelvis C65.9, Ureter C66.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-87

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are

Kidney Aortic (para-aortic, periaortic, lateral aortic)

Paracaval

Renal hilar

Retroperitoneal, NOS

Renal pelvis Aortic 

Paracaval

Renal hilar

Retroperitoneal, NOS

Ureter Iliac (common, internal [hypogastric], external)

Paracaval

Pelvic, NOS

Periureteral

Renal hilar

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS; not stated if bilateral or unilateral

2 Unilateral regional lymph nodes

3 Bilateral regional lymph nodes

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
KIDNEY, RENAL PELVIS, AND URETER

Kidney C64.9, Renal Pelvis C65.9, Ureter C66.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-88 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

NUMBER OF REGIONAL NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of nodes unknown /not stated and not

documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the incidental removal of ribs during the operative approach.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BLADDER

C67.0-C67.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-89

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration (includes use of hot forceps for tumor destruction)

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy (TURB)

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Partial cystectomy

50 Simple/total/complete cystectomy 

60 Radical cystectomy (male only)

This code is used only for men. It involves the removal of bladder and prostate, with or without

urethrectomy. The procedure is also called cystoprostatectomy.

If a radical cystectomy is the procedure name for a woman, use code 71.
BLADDER

C67.0-C67.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-90 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

70 Pelvic exenteration, NOS

71 Radical cystectomy (female only); anterior exenteration 

A radical cystectomy in a female includes removal of bladder, uterus, ovaries, entire vaginal

wall and entire urethra.

72 Posterior exenteration 

73 Total exenteration 

Includes removal of all pelvic contents and pelvic lymph nodes.

74 Extended exenteration 

Includes pelvic blood vessels or bony pelvis.

80 Cystectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are: 

Hypogastric 

Iliac (internal, external, NOS)

Obturator 

Pelvic, NOS 

Perivesical, Pericystic

Presacral 

Sacral (lateral, sacral promontory [Gerota's]) 

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS; not stated if bilateral or unilateral

2 Unilateral regional lymph nodes

3 Bilateral regional lymph nodes

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BLADDER

C67.0-C67.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-91

NUMBER OF REGIONAL NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

DO NOT CODE the partial or total removal of a ureter during a cystectomy.

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-92 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
BRAIN AND OTHER PARTS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Meninges C70.0 - C70.9, Brain C71.0 - C71.9

Other Parts of Central Nervous System C72.0 - C72.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-93

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

DO NOT CODE laminectomies for spinal cord primaries.

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction

20 Excision of tumor, lesion, or mass 

21 Subtotal resection, NOS

22 Partial resection

23 Debulking

30 Excision of tumor, lesion, or mass, NOS

31 Total resection

32 Gross resection

40 Partial resection, NOS

41 Partial lobe

42 Partial meninges

43 Partial nerve(s)

50 Total resection (lobectomy of brain)

60 Radical resection 

Resection of primary site plus partial or total removal of surrounding organs/tissue

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
BRAIN AND OTHER PARTS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Meninges C70.0 - C70.9, Brain C71.0 - C71.9

Other Parts of Central Nervous System C72.0 - C72.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-94 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

There are no regional lymph nodes for brain. Code no regional lymph nodes removed (0). Central

nervous system sites, however, have regional lymph nodes.

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

There are no regional lymph nodes for brain. Code no regional lymph nodes examined (00). Central

nervous system tumors, however, have regional lymph nodes.

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
BRAIN AND OTHER PARTS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Meninges C70.0 - C70.9, Brain C71.0 - C71.9

Other Parts of Central Nervous System C72.0 - C72.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-95

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

5 Distant lymph node(s)

6 Distant site(s)

7 Combination of 6 WITH 2 or 5

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-96 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
THYROID GLAND

C73.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-97

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Removal of less than a lobe, NOS

11 Local surgical excision

12 Removal of a partial lobe ONLY

20 Lobectomy and/or isthmectomy

21 Lobectomy ONLY

22 Isthmectomy ONLY

23 Lobectomy WITH isthmus

30 Removal of a lobe and partial removal of the contralateral lobe

40 Subtotal or near total thyroidectomy

50 Total thyroidectomy

80 Thyroidectomy, NOS

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
THYROID GLAND

C73.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-98 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

The regional lymph nodes are the cervical and upper mediastinal lymph nodes. 

Terminology of neck dissection (Robbins et al. 1991): 

A radical neck dissection includes the removal of all ipsilateral cervical lymph node groups, i.e.,

lymph nodes from levels I through V (submental, submandibular, cranial jugular, medial jugular,

caudal jugular, dorsal cervical nodes along the accessory nerve, and supraclavicular), and removal

of the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle.

In a modified radical neck dissection the same lymph nodes are removed as in a radical neck

dissection; however, one or more non-lymphatic structures are preserved.

A selective neck dissection is a neck dissection with preservation of one or more lymph node groups

routinely removed in radical neck dissection.

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

 2 Neck dissection, NOS

 3 Selective, limited; nodal sampling; “berry picking”

 4 Modified/modified radical

 5 Radical 

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes

examined unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
THYROID GLAND

C73.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-99

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional site(s)

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-100 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

Page intentionally blank.
ALL OTHER SITES

C14.1 - C14.8, C17.0 - C17.9, C23.9, C24.0 - C24.9, C26.0 - C26.9, C30.0 - C30.1, C31.0 - C31.9,

C33.9, C37.9, C38.0 - C38.8, C39.0 - C39.9, C42.0 - C42.1, C42.3 - C42.4, C48.0 - C48.8, 

C51.0 - C51.9, C52.9, C57.0 - C57.9, C58.9, C60.0 - C60.9, C63.0 - C63.9, C68.0 - C68.9, 

C69.0 - C69.9, C74.0 - C76.8, C80.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-101

The following codes apply to these sites:

C14.1 - C14.8 Other and Ill-defined Sites in Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharynx

C17.0 - C17.9 Small Intestine

C23.9 Gallbladder

C24.0 - C24.8 Extrahepatic Bile Duct, Ampulla of Vater, Overlapping lesion of

Biliary Tract, Biliary Tract, NOS

C26.0 - C26.9 Intestinal Tract, NOS, Overlapping Lesion of Digestive System,

Gastrointestinal Tract, NOS

C30.0 - C 30.1 Nasal Cavity, Middle Ear

C31.0 - C31.9 Accessory (paranasal) Sinuses

C33.9 Trachea

C37.9 Thymus

C38.0 - C38.8 Heart, Mediastinum, Pleura

C39.0 - C39.9 Other and Ill-defined Sites within Respiratory System and

Intrathoracic Organs

C42.0 - C42.1 Blood, Bone Marrow

C42.3 - C42.4 Reticuloendothelial System, NOS, Hematopoietic System, NOS

C48.0 - C48.8 Retroperitoneum and Peritoneum

C51.0 - C51.9 Vulva

C52.9 Vagina

C57.0 - C57.9 Other and Unspecified Female Genital Organs

C58.9 Placenta

C60.0 - C60.9 Penis

C63.0 - C63.9 Other and Unspecified Male Genital Organs

C68.0 - C68.9 Other and Unspecified Urinary Organs

C69.0 - C69.9 Eye and Adnexa

C74.0 - C75.9 Adrenal Gland, Other Endocrine Glands and Related Structures

C76.0 - C76.8 Other and Ill-defined Sites

C80.9 Unknown Primary Site
ALL OTHER SITES

C14.1 - C14.8, C17.0 - C17.9, C23.9, C24.0 - C24.9, C26.0 - C26.9, C30.0 - C30.1, C31.0 - C31.9,

C33.9, C37.9, C38.0 - C38.8, C39.0 - C39.9, C42.0 - C42.1, C42.3 - C42.4, C48.0 - C48.8, 

C51.0 - C51.9, C52.9, C57.0 - C57.9, C58.9, C60.0 - C60.9, C63.0 - C63.9, C68.0 - C68.9, 

C69.0 - C69.9, C74.0 - C76.8, C80.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-102 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF PRIMARY SITE

Codes

00 None; no cancer-directed surgery of primary site

10 Local tumor destruction, NOS (WITHOUT PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

11 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

12 Electrocautery; fulguration

13 Cryosurgery

14 Laser

No specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

20 Local tumor excision, NOS (WITH PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN)

21 Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

22 Electrocautery

23 Cryosurgery

24 Laser ablation

25 Laser excision

26 Polypectomy

27 Excisional biopsy

Specimen sent to pathology from this surgical event.

30 Simple/partial surgical removal of primary site

40 Total surgical removal of primary site

50 Surgery stated to be “debulking”

60 Radical surgery

Partial or total removal of the primary site WITH an en bloc resection (partial or total removal) of

other organs.

90 Surgery, NOS

99 Unknown if cancer-directed surgery performed; death certificate ONLY
ALL OTHER SITES

C14.1 - C14.8, C17.0 - C17.9, C23.9, C24.0 - C24.9, C26.0 - C26.9, C30.0 - C30.1, C31.0 - C31.9,

C33.9, C37.9, C38.0 - C38.8, C39.0 - C39.9, C42.0 - C42.1, C42.3 - C42.4, C48.0 - C48.8, 

C51.0 - C51.9, C52.9, C57.0 - C57.9, C58.9, C60.0 - C60.9, C63.0 - C63.9, C68.0 - C68.9, 

C69.0 - C69.9, C74.0 - C76.8, C80.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

January 1998 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition C-103

SCOPE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODE SURGERY

Codes

0 No regional lymph nodes removed

1 Regional lymph node(s) removed, NOS

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY

NUMBER OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES EXAMINED

Codes

00 No regional lymph nodes examined

01 One regional lymph node examined

02 Two regional lymph nodes examined

..

90 Ninety or more regional lymph nodes examined

95 No regional lymph node(s) removed but aspiration of regional lymph node(s) was performed

96 Regional lymph node removal documented as a sampling and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

97 Regional lymph node removal documented as dissection and number of lymph nodes examined

unknown/not stated

98 Regional lymph nodes surgically removed but number of lymph nodes examined unknown/not

stated and not documented as sampling or dissection

99 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY
ALL OTHER SITES

C14.1 - C14.8, C17.0 - C17.9, C23.9, C24.0 - C24.9, C26.0 - C26.9, C30.0 - C30.1, C31.0 - C31.9,

C33.9, C37.9, C38.0 - C38.8, C39.0 - C39.9, C42.0 - C42.1, C42.3 - C42.4, C48.0 - C48.8, 

C51.0 - C51.9, C52.9, C57.0 - C57.9, C58.9, C60.0 - C60.9, C63.0 - C63.9, C68.0 - C68.9, 

C69.0 - C69.9, C74.0 - C76.8, C80.9

APPENDIX C

SITE-SPECIFIC SURGERY CODES

C-104 SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd Edition January 1998

SURGERY OF OTHER REGIONAL SITE(S), DISTANT SITE(S) OR DISTANT LYMPH

NODE(S)

Codes

0 None; no surgery to other regional or distant sites

1 Surgery to other site(s) or node(s), NOS; unknown if regional or distant 

2 Other regional sites

3 Distant lymph node(s)

4 Distant site(s)

5 Combination of 4 WITH 2 or 3

9 Unknown; not stated; death certificate ONLY